key tax return and refund dates
When can you file your taxes?
You can submit your tax return before the IRS begins processing as early as the first week of the year with many tax preparation providers. You don’t need to wait until the IRS begins accepting tax returns but you must have the proper forms and paperwork. Some forms are not available until mid January. Tax returns filed before the IRS officially opens sit in a “queue” and are held until the IRS officially begins accepting tax returns.
Your tax return may be selected in a test batch. If you e-file early and it sits in queue, your return may be sent to the IRS early. This can result in early direct deposits depending on the payment provider you select. Our cycle chart will update with key dates including test batch dates.
When does the IRS accept tax returns?
The IRS usually opens around the third week of January each year. They announce the opening date early in January.
The IRS will begin accepting tax returns in 2025 on January 27th.
When is the IRS test batch?
If you file your tax return early, it may be sent to the IRS in a test batch before the IRS has officially opened for the year. It is usually a week before the date the IRS begins accepting tax returns. This has resulted in refunds in the past that can be posted by direct deposit as early as the day after tax season opens.
When will I get my tax refund?
Early filers whose returns are accepted in a test batch can anticipate a tax refund as early as the day after the IRS opens the January filing season if your return was in the test batch. The day that the IRS deposits refunds varies for regular returns but we notice trends based on the method you chose to file and select to direct deposit. You can use our tax refund calendar or refund cycle chart to help find out when you will get your tax refund.
Where is the IRS refund cycle chart?
The official tax refund cycle chart published by the IRS has been eliminated and replaced with IRS FAQ. Refund cycle charts are now published by independent websites and vary slightly.
A good reference to use is the When To Expect My Refund cycle chart that is published early each year by the College Investor.
tax refund grapevine
This is a user-to-user community of taxpayers. Share experiences and ask questions below in our Live Discussion. We have learned more about tax refunds than we ever wanted to know.
tax refund tools
IRS Update Cycle
Use the IRS Update Cycle chart to find the days and times the WMR and transcript update.
When are Updates?
The IRS has regular mass update cycles.
WHEN DOES WHERES MY REFUND (WMR) UPDATE?
Where’s My Refund can update any day of the week. But there are mass updates on Wednesday and Saturday when a lot of people see an update. Use our calendar to find out what day you can expect to see updates on Where’s My Refund.
WHEN DO transcripts update?
Transcripts can update any day of the week. But there are mass updates on Tuesday and Friday. Use our calendar to find out what day you can expect to see an update on your transcript.
Seeing others accepted 1/21 start to get refunds is starting to give me hope. Still no 846 for me yet.
@dj: thank you!!! I
@shelleybeanss: Congrats!! I hope I’m next out of the group lmao I been waiting about as long as you and @harrya. !! Ughh!! That’s awesome!
@harrya: congratulations
@harrya: congratulations o
@shelleybeanss: congratulations so happy for you!!!!!
@Leeloo: thank you!! I have been opening the transcript every few minutes. Honestly can’t believe it’s real lol. Felt like it was never going to happen
@shelleybeanss:
OhMyGiddyAunt!!!
i am doing a happy dance for you sweet girl!!!
your long wait is over!
celebrate!
Hallelujah!
@Jacky_FL not logged in: thank you!! I’ve been in shock since 4am when I first opened and that 846 was staring back at me
@shelleybeanss: Congratulations 🎉🎈✨
I wonder if you owe the it’s do they add interest since it took so long. Probably not!
@shelleybeanss: i hear you
@shelleybeanss: it was direct deposit from turbo tax and they didnt take out dd fee
@harrya: did you originally request direct deposit and did they direct deposit the actual refund or mail you a check? I’ve seen some on here say they were sent a check after the delayed processing
@harrya: thank you!!! It shows interest on my transcripts. Now just a waiting game to see when I get that cash. I feel the same way you did. I’ll believe when I have that money in my account. :)
@shelleybeanss: good for you i did the same did you get interest too
Hello
My amended return was adjusted today.The last TC code on my transcript is 290,When should I expect a ddd?
Oh. My. Gawd!!! I FINALLY woke up to an 846 for 8/7!! I am crying! Is my nightmare actually over?! I’ve closed and opened the transcript 5x.🥹
@JennyC: seems to be the case this year. Unfortunately. I’m truly dumbfounded
Day 153 AND the saga Continues SMH🙏🏽🙏🏽
@shelleybeanss: it’s been well over 9 weeks for me. I verified the first week of march. Smh and still nothing!
@harrya: Woohooo Congratulationsss 💪🏽💰
@harrya: Congratulations 🎉
My nightmare is over money in my account today, only wish you guys were done too it would make it so much better